
Here’s a closer look at the trucking industry statistics highlighting the significance of the backbone of America – truckers.
The trucking industry statistics are truly remarkable. It’s an industry topping $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and responsible for six percent of all jobs in America.
If you bought it, they brought it. Truck drivers keep America rolling by driving countless and lonely hours delivering the cargo we desire. Without trucks to ship things, those shelves would be mighty bare and those same-day delivering services from your online shopping wouldn’t be possible without truckers.
Don’t believe us? Check out the trucking industry statistics.
Merge onto any highway and you’ll see countless semi trucks heading in either direction of the road. Seems like they’re endless amounts of them right? You would be correct, in fact 80 percent of all cargo in the USA!

There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the trucking industry who put their life at risk delivering an array of commodities and goods. Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with a load weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making truck driver the most dangerous job in the USA. So remember to give truck drivers space and don’t tailgate.

Truck drivers haul a variety of goods with machinery, electronic and motorized vehicles making up 27 percent of goods shipped by truck drivers in America. The most common thing trucks haul is machinery, followed by electronics and motorized vehicles. Additionally, mixed freight includes commodities such as food and restaurant supplies.

Let’s face it, without the trucking industry we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things we have. Shelves would be empty and people would undoubtedly be in a state of panic if that happens. The trucking industry statistics don’t lie!




COVID19: State of Trucking <h4>By Trucker Path</h4>
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<img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b5.png" alt="Trucker Path COVID19" />
<h3><strong>Trucker Path COVID-19 Initiatives</strong></h3>
The Trucker Path team is actively monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and preparing resources to assist truckers as they help keep America running.
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In addition to providing updates on the Trucker Path <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TruckerPath/">Facebook Page</a>, a dedicated COVID19 thread has been created in the official Trucker Path forum.
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A COVID-19 Tracker has been introduced on the Trucker Path mobile app which is available on <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathios">iOS</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathdroid">Google Play</a>. This feature will enable truckers to easily check the spread of the Coronavirus and see insights both for America and abroad, with live updates on infections and recoveries.
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Along side the COVID-19 Tracker is the COVID-19 Navigation Tool which has been integrated on the Turn-by-Turn feature to track the latest information regarding reported cases and infected areas and provide alternate routing.
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<img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b7.jpeg" alt="FMCSA" />
<h3><strong>FMCSA Emergency Declaration to be extended until June 14</strong></h3>
The agency's COVID-19 Emergency Declaration has been extended until June 14. The original declaration was set to expire last Friday.
Full announcement can be found <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/extension-expanded-emergency-declaration-no-2020-002-under-49-cfr-ss-39025">here</a>.
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FMCSA’s emergency declaration provides for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for:
Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants
Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores
Immediate precursor raw materials — such as paper, plastic or alcohol—that are required and to be used for the manufacture of essential items
Fuel
Equipment, supplies and persons needed to establish and manage temporary housing or quarantines
Persons designated by federal, state or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes
Persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services
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<img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b6.jpeg" alt="CDC" />
<h3><strong>CDC Guidelines for Long Haul Truck Drivers</strong></h3>
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recently updated guidelines for long haul truck drivers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some prescribed steps to avoid contamination and reduce spread.
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<li>Notify your supervisor and stay home if having symptoms.</li>
<li>Make a plan with your employer and your family as to what to do if you become sick while you’re on the road. Include where to stop, where and how to seek medical advice and treatment, and plans for freight delivery.</li>
<li>Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet when possible.</li>
<li>CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. </li>
<li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis.</li>
<li>Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.</li>
<li>Avoid touching surfaces often touched by others when outside of the cab.</li>
<li>Do not share personal protective equipment (PPE) (such as vests, safety glasses, hard hats),tools, phones, radios, or other personal items.</li>
<li>Use pre-qualified truck stops or hotels identified by your employer as having appropriate COVID-19 protections.</li>
<li>When team driving or ride-alongs are required, wear cloth face coverings inside the truck and avoid sharing bedding in the sleeper berth.</li>
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Full guidelines can be viewed <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/long-haul-trucking.html">here</a>.
Trucker Spotlight - James Cole <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>James Cole</strong>, also known as "Dooner LivingStone" which is his nickname since Highschool. He's been driving for around 11 years now. He also has a YouTube channel under the same nickname where he shares his experiences as a long haul trucker with whoever is willing to put up with his "keep it real" documentary style videos. Let's get to more about James and his trucking life.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
My dad is also an over the road truck driver and has been out here doin' the deal for over 50 years. I'm pretty sure that influenced me to hit the road myself. As a kid I had spent several summers truckin' across the country with him. A few years after got out of the Air Force I got the funds together to go to truck driving school. Best decision I've ever made. It's like it was in my blood or something!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've
noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
In the 11 years I've been driving, I've definitely seen some changes in the industry. ELDs and mandatory 30 minute breaks have had the biggest effect on me personally. It drastically changed how I run and I still haven't fully gotten into the swing of things. I like to take a break when I want and I want to take a nap when I want without it screwing up my schedule. I think that's all I better say about that. LOL.
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<h3><strong>What's the best thing about being a truck driver?</strong></h3>
The best thing about this career field is learning something new everyday. I'm not, nor will I ever be an expert in trucking. Everyday is a new experience and every load is a new challenge. Anyone who gets into this lifestyle should remember to always remain humble and understand that they will never know it all. The minute you forget that, you're gonna make a major mistake. But... what the hell do I know?!
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
It does get lonely out here from time to time. While driving, I keep my mind occupied by listening to Howard Stern or some good music. I also think of other ways to add a little more entertainment value to my YouTube channel. I grind more gears in my brain than I do driving my truck. When I'm off duty, I work on my videos, or try to hone my photography skills, or work on my guitar playing. Just recently, I brought my copilot, Elvis, with me to keep me company. Elvis is my cat.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3>
One of my most memorable experiences was when I delivered a windmill to what seemed to be a hippy colony. I think it was somewhere in Michigan. I don't know, I can't remember. A local farmer unloaded it for them and they were all so excited! My son, Zack who was 10 at the time and spending his summer with me, was treated like a little rock star because he was very knowledgeable in music and also because he was traveling all over the country and seeing things a lot of kids will never see. I remember the lady who seemed to be the one in charge giving him a few CDs of some old school blues right before we left. I thought it was a great experience for him.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3>
I love Peterbilts 359, 379, and 389. Beautiful trucks! I drive a 379.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3>
I was a starving musician for years. Never really wanted to be a rock star but, I did dream of living a comfortable life as a performing musician. I also wanted to be a news journalist and write for a newspaper. Good thing I didn't pursue that career 'cause journalism is dead. We don't need to get into that though.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3>
The best truckstop for me is one that has plenty of parking, good food, and clean showers and restrooms. So many of the really good ones aren't around anymore or they were bought by the big chains. There are still a lot of good ones out there. If I had to choose one as my favorite it would be the Bosselman's/Pilot Flying J in Grand Island, Nebraska.
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<h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR</strong></h3>
The worst breakdown? When I ran out of fuel 8 miles from my fuel stop. This was just a few months ago. My fuel gauge read that I had a quarter tank but my gut was telling me otherwise. My pride was was seriously damaged that day. Remember what I said about being an expert, remaining humble, and learning something new everyday?
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<h3><strong>What do you think it takes to be really successful in the trucking/logistics field?</strong></h3>
As long as you enjoy what you're doing and work toward being better than you were yesterday you will be successful. Gotta be in the right truck, pulling the right trailer, hauling the right freight, using the right equipment, and striving to reach your personal best. If it's a job for you and you don't have it in your heart you will be miserable and unhappy. Get out and do something else. This life ain't for everybody!
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<h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3>
I use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> to locate truckstops, parking areas, and scales along my route when planning my trip or if I just wanna check something out along the way. I can see the differences in fuel prices, parking availability, restaurants, and also look ahead to see if the chicken coop is locked up. I'm sure there's more to learn on the app but these are features that I find highly valuable!
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DoonerLivingstone">Youtube Channel, Dooner LivingStone</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWVPi4eN_gY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Nebraska Troopers Ride With Truckers to Spot Unsafe Drivers
[p]Tired of truck drivers wrongfully receiving blame from the public regarding safe driving? Well, Nebraska's “[a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Trooper in a Truck[/a]” is sure to help change that misconception.[/p]
[h2]Nebraska Trooper in a Truck Program[/h2]
[p]According to the [a href="https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaTruckingAssociation/posts/1489487991094045"]Nebraska Trucking Association[/a], Nebraska State Troopers will ride along in the cabs of commercial motor vehicles while looking for unsafe driving behavior from nearby automobiles. When a trooper spots someone committing a violation or driving recklessly, they will radio a nearby trooper to assess a citation.[/p]
[p]“Having eyes in commercial motor vehicles allows us to see things we wouldn’t normally see from a marked patrol unit,” said Lieutenant Kurt Von Minden. “It’s also an invaluable tool to work with truckers to help tackle the issue of public safety on our roadways. We’re very grateful for the relationship we have with the [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]trucking industry[/a] and value their help.”[/p]
[h2]80 Percent of Accidents are Caused by Cars, Not Trucks[/h2]
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